A tragic incident unfolded during the CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas, when 28-year-old Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic drowned while competing in a swimming event at Marine Creek Lake on Thursday. The devastating moment occurred just a short distance from the finish line, in front of cameras, cheering fans, and unaware officials.
Dukic, who was nearing the shore and the finish line, suddenly began to struggle in the water. Canadian athlete Cole Learn, who was watching the event, described the scene as “pretty devastating.”
“We were watching the athletes come in from their swim, and for some reason, I was watching Lazar. It looked like he was struggling a little bit,” Learn told KXAS-TV.
The situation escalated rapidly as Dukic fought to stay afloat, moving in desperate circles while struggling to breathe. Video footage shows the athlete’s distress just offshore, with officials and lifeguards focused on the finish line, seemingly oblivious to his plight only a dozen yards away.
Learn recounted the frantic attempts to alert lifeguards: “There were 10 of us that saw it, we started screaming for the lifeguard. We were so far away, jumping in wouldn’t have been an option.”
Official event video captured the harrowing moments as Dukic struggled in the water.
In a heartbreaking turn, Dukic’s brother, who was also present at the event, was seen desperately searching for him. “I watched his brother run up and down, looking for him, and it’s going to be ingrained in my memory for the rest of my life,” Learn said. “It’s horrible.”
Search and rescue teams, including drones, boats, and dive crews, were deployed around 8 a.m. to locate Dukic. His body was recovered about an hour later.
In response to the tragedy, CrossFit Games officials canceled the remainder of the day’s events. “The well-being of competitors is our first priority, and we are heartbroken by this tragic event,” read a statement from the Games’ account.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of a CrossFit athlete during a CrossFit Games swimming event this morning. Our hearts go out to the athlete’s family, friends, and the entire CrossFit community.”
Parker also emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting the athletes and ensuring a safe environment for all participants and spectators at the Games.